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Winter on the Ranch

Winter on the Ranch

Back to Basics with Brad Karl and photography by Marisa Anderson

Days start early on the ranch and it doesn’t matter how cold it is, ranch work doesn’t end.

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Outdoorsmen keep coming to Stetson for hats, boots, and apparel designed to protect them through the toughest conditions.

Brad wears the Skyline 6X. The Skyline 6X Cowboy Hat is constructed of 6X quality fur felt and features a cattleman crease crown, interior leather sweatband and a self-matching hatband with a 3-piece silver-tone buckle accent. 6X Quality Fur Felt. Made in the USA.

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The original rugged snap front denim shirt is a Stetson essential.

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Stetson Men’s Denim

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Go Roam Free

Go Roam Free

Content provided by Dream Lens Media. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram.

How many of you can remember what you wanted to be when you were little? I’d venture to say most of us can remember what our dream job was but most of us would also say life took us down a very different career path than our young minds imagined.

But that’s not the case for Jon Sepp. He’s right where his four-year-old self hoped he’d be, owning bison in the vast prairie of Montana. “As I got older I always knew in one way or another I wanted to be able to have bison and so I worked towards that goal for a really long time,” says Jon.

Jon Sepp and his fiancé Brittany Masters run Roam Free Ranch on the Flathead Reservation in Montana. They produce a 100% grass-fed bison jerky. You’ll find them up with the sun, fencing nearly 10,000 acres of land, hand packing jerky for distribution and managing a growing team of ranch hands.

Jon wears the Boss of the Plains. Shop Stetson Western Hats.

DISCOVERING REGENERATIVE
With no ranching background, Jon and Brittany struggled to figure out how to make their land as healthy as possible.

“The ground was in really poor condition when I bought it so I was desperate and willing to try anything I could find to make grazing more efficient here and that’s when I heard about a lot of these concepts of holistic management, managing your grass better.”

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Holistic management is a way of approaching your ranch that takes the whole ecosystem into consideration. In this case that includes managing the bison in a way that mimics how wolves and other predators would have moved them across the land prior to the West being settled. It’s better for the animal and a game-changer for grasslands.

“We came to find out that our grasslands are the number one most endangered ecosystem in North America,” says Brittany. “Here in Montana, we have the second most biodiverse ecosystem. We have this beautiful American Prairie that is disappearing and we only have one percent of it left and it’s up to the ranchers that steward that land to make sure it’s there for future generations.”

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BECOMING THE SOLUTION
Jon and Brittany say once that realization hit home, they couldn’t help but do everything they could to become part of the solution. They’re tackling a tremendous project reseeding 10,000 acres of land to native grasses and building more than 80 miles of fence in order to move their bison holistically.

“Once you know, you can’t look the other way. You have to do something about it and find a way through it.”

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ALL IN
“We’ve come to realize the many challenges facing bison, healthy food production and our native grasslands,” says Jon. “We have the ability to do something about that within our realm, right now, and we’ve taken this on as being our purpose for our business but also our personal lives.”

A life mission sparked by a four-year-old’s love for our national mammal. I’d say young Jon would be proud.

Follow Jon and Brittany’s journey: Facebook Instagram

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Stetson Summer Series: On the road in New Mexico

Story by Robert W Dean

Stetson Summer Series: On the road in New Mexcio

The sun was just beginning to make its descent into the evening, the windows were down and a brisk air mixed with the smell of pine and sage was pouring into the cab as we came rolling into this quaint yet vibrant town. There is something different about this place and though I’ve been here many times, I can’t seem to put my finger on it. Maybe that’s why I’m so drawn to it. It is an interesting place, a crossroads of sorts for the wanderers, outsiders, and folks that just like to live at their own pace. It’s true though… this place is magical.

As I started nearing the edge of town I realized I hadn’t eaten all day so I called up Bri and asked for her recommendations and see if she wants to join. She sends me directions to a place I’ve never been to.

A few minutes later, I’m standing outside this lively restaurant and bar called Paloma, just taking in the atmosphere of the town and thinking about the next couple of days that lay ahead of us. Bri and I had a few conversations leading up to our shoot about the tone and scope of this story. We both agreed that it should be a more documentary-style approach. “It’ll feel more authentic and organic to me, how about you just follow me around for a couple of days and see what comes of it?” –

The thing about working with people you met through social media is you have no idea how it’s going to play out in person. I felt good about this meeting though because I knew we all had a common thread that ran through us — a love for adventure and a love for this iconic brand — Stetson.

Gus 6X Hat

Just then Bri comes walking up strutting cowgirl boots, denim shorts and a shirt that she wears inside out. We exchange our greetings and walk inside where instantly I realize just how small of a community Santa Fe really is, especially if you grew up here as Bri did. Her friend Molly is the bartender and will make you one of the best Mezcal cocktails you’ve ever had.

After chatting with Bri over a couple of drinks and some of the finest tacos around I was even more excited about this shoot. That is the great thing about social media, it allows us to connect and collaborate with a wide range of super creative folks that we may not have discovered otherwise. Artist, Craftsman, Cowgirl, and Photographer Bri Cimino is one of those people. I’ve been a fan of Bri’s work ever since I stumbled across her on social media so this was a real honor.

The next morning I follow Bri and her close friend Jason down a dirt road that led to her house and a dusty outdoor horse arena. Even though a storm is hanging on the horizon Bri and Jason take the top off her patina blue International scout. After a few squirts of starting fluid, she roars to life and Bri looks at me and says “Let’s hope the windshield wipers still work.”

Bri and her dog Falconi

Before we roll out for the day, Bri needs to do her chores.

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Bri feeding her horses Thunder and Bandit.

After the morning chores are finished up we crawl into her international scout and head out for the day.

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Bri and I have a mutual friend, Scott Corey, who owns the one and only Santa Fe Vintage. He runs a location called The Outpost and the other called the Showroom. I’ve never seen the showroom so Bri decides to make that our first stop of the day.

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Next up we decide to go back to Bri’s place for a mid-day coffee. . Bri is somewhat of a “Jill of all trades” She appreciates hard work and it is apparent that she puts her heart and soul into whatever it is she commits herself to, whether it be her leatherwork, photography or her horses.

A photograph on her wall catches my eye. It is an old film photo of a horse nibbling and tugging on a woman’s shirt. I ask Bri what the story of the photo is. She tells me “my grandfather captured that moment, it was right before my mother found out she was pregnant with me. I guess the horse knew before anyone did.” These kind of photos are my favorite.

Bri is an easy person to talk to. She keeps an abnormal situation—an interview in which a stranger is asking you personal questions about your profession —as normal and reciprocal as possible. She is kind and polite, and has a wealth of knowledge about the history of Santa Fe:

Born in Taos and raised in Santa Fe. Bri grew up loving the outdoors, animals and art. She works in Santa Fe as a hairstylist during the weekdays, traveling to photograph equestrians on the weekends, learning to make her own horse tack, and somehow still finds time to ride her horses into the desert. ” New Mexico is a special place for many people and for me, It is about the space and the light dimension that exists in the high desert air. Where the Rocky Mountains end and kiss the land where the desert begins. Where the earth meets the sky at the horizon without building to obstruct the view.”

One thing is for certain. Bri’s New Mexico roots run deep. She comes from a dying breed that still believes in heritage and has a deep love for the stories that live on through the generations.

We hop back in the scout and head South down the turquoise trail towards Cerrillos.

After a short drive, we land at Mary’s bar. If you’ve never been to Cerrillos and you ever find yourself driving down the historic turquoise trail then you must stop off here. Trust me you won’t regret it.

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After a beer and some conversations with a few locals, we head back out to a favorite place a Bri’s – Waldo Canyon.

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As the golden sun was setting over the ever-stretching landscape and the day was starting to wind down I felt like I had a newfound appreciation for this part of New Mexico.

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Day two we woke up early and headed out to Abiquiu. The entire way we talk history and Georgia O’Keeffe. “This land captivates many and until you see it for yourself, you can only look at paintings or photographs and question a place like this actually exists. One can only hope when others travel to experience it with their own two eyes, they will respect the land and cultures that have been here for hundreds of years. ” – Bri Says

Bri on her horse “Scout” ridding through the incredible Abiquiu landscape.

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We wrap up day two here at Skybound farm. A good friend of Bri’s place where she often keeps her horses.

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At the end of our two-day shoot, I felt like I had formed a new lifelong friend in Bri. Here was a super unique and talented lady that is living life on her terms. I thought to myself “That’s what this is all about right there”. What a great experience. I have a feeling it won’t be the last.

~ Robert W. Dean.

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Artist Jen Mussari

Artist Jen Mussari

Jen wears the Austral

Studio visit with commercial artist, Jen Mussari in the Cobble Hill neighborhood of Brooklyn, NY.

Photography by Mark Kauzlarich

Jen grew up in Philadelphia and spends a lot of her time in the California desert for inspiration.

“That peaceful desert energy is something that I am constantly trying to sneak into my bustling everyday life, and it has massively inspired my work.”

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“When I started working with Stetson I mentioned the project to my Uncle, who told me something I hadn’t known before: that my great grandfather worked at Stetson’s hat factory in Philadelphia in the early 20th century. My great grandfather, Anthony Catalano, was apparently one of many Catalano immigrants who spent his days blocking, or forming the felt into Stetson hat shapes. We don’t know much else about his time there, but it seems like there was a strong community of Italian immigrants in the factory. I’ve always loved western wear and had no idea that we had this familial connection until I designed this bandana.”

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Receive this special edition bandana designed by Jen Mussari as a gift with purchases of $250. Use offer code: JUST4U. Limited quantities while available.

Shop now.

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Finding Balance with Bill Oyster

Finding Balance with Bill Oyster

Bill wears the Stetson Stratoliner Fedora

William “Bill” Oyster is a full-time career bamboo fly rod maker with a workshop in one of the south’s most authentic mountain towns (Blue Ridge, GA).

Photography and story by Corey Woosley

Each Oyster Bamboo Fly Rod is intensely handcrafted.  Bill is the only professional bamboo fly rod maker in the world who personally hand engraves his own rods.  The performance and aesthetics of each rod is truly remarkable.

As the most prolific teacher of this rod making art alive today, Bill draws students from as far away as England, Scotland, Australia and New Zealand as well as every corner of the US to his southern mountain own studio in beautiful Blue Ridge, Georgia.

Each year, Oyster introduces a little more of the world to this traditional craft and a look into the life of a bamboo fly rod maker.

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Corey writes: Our truck wound down a mountain road that paralleled the Toccoa River a few miles outside the small sleepy town of Blue Ridge, Georgia. Eventually, we came upon an unassuming pull off that we tucked the truck into. Bill Oyster exited the front seat and made his way to the rear to gather his fishing gear. It was mid-October and the first bit of cool weather for the season had arrived with the morning. It had been unseasonably warm up until that point and the cool, crisp air was a welcome offering. Bill is middle-aged with a medium build and a medium height. The hair that’s still on his head is salt and pepper and it’s accompanied by one hell of a silver beard. On paper, he sounds older than he actually looks, but he is fit and has a youthful face and his eyes are hopeful like they are still looking forward to something. Bill is a craftsman by trade and constructs the world’s finest split cane fly rods by hand. I watched him work in his shop the day before as he took extremely plain looking bamboo poles and turned them into functioning pieces of art.

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Our group made its way down to the water where we stopped and pulled on our waders. Bill strung up one of his current creations, an 8’6”, 7wt. hollow body bamboo rod. It was beautiful… Bill and I eased off the bank and into the moving water. I hung back with my camera and let him work his way upstream alone in search of the day’s first pocket or riffle to cast a fly into. He finally found a piece of water he deemed worthy and unfurled his line. He proceeded to haul out a cast so elegant and effortless it felt like I was listening to a Billie Holiday song. The rest of the morning was vainly spent trying to catch trout. Although it was a cooler morning, the water temperature hadn’t experienced the same change yet, and the fish were locked jawed or maybe even non-existent. Finally, we threw in the towel and decided to head back to town for some lunch.

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On the truck ride home I asked Bill what drew him to fly fishing. He revealed in a former life he had been a professional cyclist and that he used the meditation of fishing to balance the demands physically and mentally of being a professional athlete. Bill went on to explain that he eventually suffered a pretty serious accident that ended his cycling career. He said after the accident he wasn’t really sure where his path was going to lead. He had already completed a considerable amount of schooling. He had studied Aerospace Engineering, English Literature, Philosophy, and finally, Studio Art all spread across three major colleges in two states, accumulating endless amounts of credit hours but finished with zero degrees, so there wasn’t much to fall back on. In the interim, however, Bill still had fly fishing, and along with that, he began a new pursuit of building his own bamboo fly rods.

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There is no question about whether or not Bill has achieved excellence with his fly rods. He is an absolute master. He has made rods for people all over the world including sheiks, presidents, celebrities, and the list goes on. He has the claim of selling the most expensive fly rods in the world and the buyers to prove it. With so much to boast about, one might be tempted to think Bill is probably some kind of egomaniac that keeps his trade secrets closely guarded, but his humility is startling and as far as sharing his craft goes, he’s an open book. Bill’s wife, Shannen, explained to me that when he was starting out, almost no one was willing to share their knowledge and that he swore if he ever figured out how to make a rod he would share what he had learned with others. Now, he and his team host rod building classes almost every other week year-round, where they teach their students how to build a rod the same exact way Bill does.
After lunch, we reconvened and headed to a private property where a friend of Bill’s had a stream stocked with oversized trout, pellet pigs as they are affectionately referred to. Typically a stream like this would be frowned upon by fly fishing purists, especially ones that are so committed to the pursuit of purity that they build their own fly rod, by hand, out of bamboo. There was none of that with Bill though. He was genuinely happy to be on the water, with friends, catching fish. Bill ended up guiding me into a beautiful Rainbow Trout and caught a true trophy of his own. The balance of Bill’s life came into sharp focus on the water. He had the discipline and commitment to create the finest handcrafted rods that took years to master and hundreds of hours to create and still have fun and appreciate the innocence of catching stocked fish with them. That simple epiphany brought me to a pause.

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Cruising Into the New Year, Featuring Anthony Scott

Cruising Into the New Year, Featuring Anthony Scott

Follow Anthony at @enginethusiast

Shop Stetson Caps

Growing up near Barber Motorsports in Birmingham, AL, Anthony Scott’s love for all things engine related was cultivated from an early age. As a United States Air Force Veteran, it was important for him to have projects to dive into as he integrated back into society. In 2013, Anthony moved to Portland, Oregon and got the idea to start Enginethusiast, a company and website dedicated to photographing cars and motorcycles. Anthony established himself as an upcoming bike builder, custom fabricator, mechanic, and creative in Portland.


The idea behind Enginethusiast was to foster a community of like-minded individuals across the globe who wanted to see content that not only made them feel good but was also aesthetically pleasing. As that community grew, so did Anthony’s projects. Along with pursuing modeling, photography, and directing full time, Anthony is the author of Supply & Denim, a book dedicated to makers, creatives, and the fashion that drives them.

Anthony was also inspired to take his love for vintage racing and share it with others, so he created The Desert Race, a traveling grassroots motorcycle event that encourages riders of all ages and skill levels to come out to the desert and enjoy a weekend of laid back racing, camping, music, and fun.

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The Stetson Driver Goat Suede Cap boasts classic appeal with a sewn down brim and soft, goat suede leather construction.


Anthony sees his endeavors as a way to bring individuals from different walks of life together both socially and professionally. Through common interests and small community networks, Anthony feels we are already making the world a better place for the next generation.





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